Designation of Two New Promotion Areas for Marine Renewable Energy Power Generation Facilities

Strategic Insights -

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) have designated two new areas, "off the coast of Matsumae, Hokkaido" and "off the coast of Hiyama, Hokkaido," as "promotion areas" under the Act on Marine Renewable Energy Utilization. This designation paves the way for the development of marine renewable energy power generation facilities in these areas. The designation process involved a public inspection period, consultations with relevant administrative agencies, and hearings from the Governor of Hokkaido and the relevant council. The two areas were deemed to meet the standards set out in Article 8 of the Act, and as a result, they have been officially designated as promotion areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two new areas, "off the coast of Matsumae, Hokkaido" and "off the coast of Hiyama, Hokkaido," have been designated as "promotion areas" for marine renewable energy power generation facilities.
  • The designation process involved a 2-week public inspection period from June 26 to July 9, 2025, and consultations with the heads of relevant administrative agencies, including the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Minister of the Environment, and the Minister of Defense.
  • The Governor of Hokkaido and the council in the relevant area were also heard during the consultation process.
  • The two areas were deemed to meet the standards set out in Article 8 of the Act, and as a result, they have been officially designated as promotion areas.
  • Going forward, public tender occupancy guidelines will be formulated in accordance with Article 13 of the Act on the Utilization of Marine Areas for Renewable Energy.
  • A public tender will be held to select the entity that will carry out the marine renewable energy power generation project in the sea areas within the promotion areas.

Statistics:

  • 2 areas have been designated as promotion areas: "off the coast of Matsumae, Hokkaido" and "off the coast of Hiyama, Hokkaido."
  • Public inspection period: June 26 to July 9, 2025.
  • Number of relevant administrative agencies consulted: 4 (Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Minister of the Environment, Minister of Defense).
  • Time: The statutory councils for the "offshore Matsumae, Hokkaido" and "offshore Hiyama, Hokkaido" promotion zones met on July 31, 2024 and March 19, 2025, respectively.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
  • Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)
  • Act on Marine Renewable Energy Utilization
  • Act on the Utilization of Marine Areas for Renewable Energy